About Mr. Anticole

EDUCATION

   After graduating from North Allegheny HS, I attended the University of Pittsburgh finishing with a B.S. in Physics in 1995.  The following year, I earned my teaching certificate in "Physics" from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education.  
   While at Pitt, I trained as a 'Student Academic Counselor' with the Learning Skills Center and taught study skills to fellow undergraduate students.  I worked for one summer as an office assistant at Pitt's School of Medicine where I had the opportunity to learn about their Problem-Based-Learning curriculum.  The following two summers were spent as an Undergraduate Research Assistant with the Astronomy Department.  I worked on the analysis of spectral absorption lines in stellar nebulae between distant quasars and the Earth as well as the development of a mobile solar telescope for educational purposes.

   Since graduation, I completed my Masters in Science Education and acquired a second teaching certification area in "Earth and Space Science".(#H2P)

   During 2011, I earned my 'National Board Certification' in Physics.  This was an extensive process involving detailed video analysis of multiple class lessons in addition to an exam on science content and educational methodology.  The experience gave me an excellent opportunity to question my own teaching practices in an effort to improve my effectiveness across multiple areas.

    National Board Certificates must be renewed on a regular basis or they expire.  I recently completed the renewal process to be re-certified as an NBCT for another five years. 

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

   Directly following my completion of the teaching certification program with Pitt, I was hired with the Norwin School District and have been here ever since.  I have taught a variety of courses some of which have since gone extinct.  Most of my time has been spent teaching Physics to 11th and 12th graders.  In addition, I taught a science-themed computer programming course for a couple years 'back in the day' as well as a year of 8th grade Integrated Science at the Middle School. 

   In the 2011-12 school year, I became our district's AP Physics instructor.  

   In the 2012-13 school year, I helped to launch a new one-semester science elective for seniors called "Physics in Medicine".   

  

EXTRACURRICULAR AND MISCELLANEOUS
   I am the founder and high school sponsor of our 'science club' known as the 'Science Challenge Squad' (or SCS).  This is a great place for kids who enjoy science, engineering, technology, etc.  We participate in out-of-school competitions, volunteer opportunities, and occasional Ping-Pong volleyball across the lab tables.  We usually meet once per week and anyone who is interested can stop by anytime!

   I am also involved with the PTA science fairs.  I recently retired as District Chairperson, but look forward to continuing to stay involved as a volunteer.   If you're in grades K-8, hope to see you there!  If you're in grades 9-12, you can still participate as a volunteer judge!

   I've lived in Norwin long enough to remember when we used to have the Norwin Diner and a 'Hills'.  My wife and I are proud parents of two Norwin graduates and four rescued dogs of assorted sizes.  I occasionally post physics lessons to a YouTube channel called 'Transparent Physics'... not to be confused with 'TRANSPARENT PHYSICS' (in all caps) which is a different channel that started up a month after me much to my chagrin.